The Official Blog of the Gwinnett Braves, Triple-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.

Washington Nationals Affiliate in for Racecar Night

The Norfolk Tides concluded their two-game series sweep of Gwinnett with an 8-0 drubbing of the G-Braves on Tuesday afternoon at Coolray Field. Dana Eveland worked 7.0 scoreless, three-hit innings in the start for Norfolk, and Jamie Hoffmann’s three-run homer in the second provided all the offense he’d need.

Eveland (W, 5-4) scattered three hits – all singles – over his seven frames, walked none and struck out five in an 89-pitch outing. Starter turned reliever Brian Matusz worked a scoreless eighth inning and Pat Egan added a scoreless ninth inning.

Norfolk started the scoring with three runs in the second inning off Gwinnett starterYohan Flande. Brandon Waring and Steve Tolleson reached on one-out singles and Hoffmann followed with a three-run home run to left. Hoffmann’s ninth blast of the year made it 3-0, Tides.

The Tides added two more runs in their half of the fourth. Joe Mahoney led off with a single and both Waring and Hoffmann reached on walks. L.J. Hoes boosted the lead to 5-0 with a single scoring Mahoney and Waring.

Flande (L, 6-9) worked 6.0 innings, allowing five earned runs on nine hits. The left-hander struck out four while yielding three walks in a losing effort.

Norfolk plated two more runs in their half of the seventh against Dusty Hughes. The left-hander loaded the bases on a hit batter, single and walk. He then issued a bases-loaded walk to Tolleson scoring Ryan Flaherty and another free pass to Hoffmann, scoring Paulino. Peter Moylan relieved Hughes and retired Hoes to end the inning.

The Tides’ lead grew to 8-0 with a final run in the ninth. Cory Gearrin loaded the bases on two walks and a single, then walked Ryan Adams to force in Paulino. Gearrin ended the inning strong, however, striking out Flaherty looking to leave the bases full.

Jose Constanza went 1-for-4 in the leadoff spot to extend his International League leading on-base streak to 38 games. He, Luis Durango and Josh Wilson had the only hits for Gwinnett on the day.

Thursday, August 23rd G-Braves Starting Line-up from Coolray Field:

The Gwinnett Braves (59-73) have an off day on Wednesday before welcoming the Syracuse Chiefs to town for four games, beginning with a 7:05 PM first pitch on Thursday night at Coolray Field. The G-Braves will start left-hander Sean Gilmartin (1-1, 3.20) against Syracuse left-hander Zach Duke (14-5, 3.50). Listen to the broadcast on WDUN 550 AM / 102.9 FM in Gainesville, Georgia.

Syracuse (5th IL North) vs Gwinnett (4th IL South)

Thursday night is “Back to School” recognition night, as the G-Braves honor organizations that support education or after school/mentoring programs. Thursday night’s festivities also include “Racecar Night” and the first night of “Drive Me Crazy.”For more details, visit gwinnettbraves.com. Tickets for all Gwinnett Braves home games are on sale now at the Coolray Field Box Office. Call (678) 277-0340 or visit gwinnettbraves.com for more information.

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